Why it Doesn’t Matter Who Wins the Election

I remember it so vividly. Election night 1992 and Bill Clinton was just declared the next President of the United States. I remember being on the phone with one of my high school best friends and she was crying saying, “the world is going downhill now”. And while some people will agree and some will disagree with this, the reality is that we have made it through that time. In fact, since then we have had 3 other Presidents lead our country and we are still standing.

So here we are, again, for the “election of a lifetime”. How many of these have we had in our lifetime? For months now we have had people on both sides tell you that the fate of America will rest in who the American people elect in November. But here’s reality, I don’t believe that. In fact, I think that is a lie.

I believe that no matter what happens in this next election, it doesn’t have to impact how you live your life. It doesn’t have to one bit. Here are a few reasons why I believe this.

We are called to love others. No matter who our President is, it doesn’t impact who we love, care for and help out. Just because we have this President or that President doesn’t impact how you choose to live your life. Jesus says that above all things, you are called to love God and love others with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus answers the question of what is the greatest commandment to follow. He says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Love God and love others. Jesus doesn’t say love others if they agree with you or have the same political opinion as you. He doesn’t say love others if they look like you or act like you. He simply says love God and love others. If you don’t think you can love others, try taking time to love God and seek his will. As you seek to love God, his goodness will come upon you, if you seek him with your whole heart. From that,  he will give you the ability to love others.

We are called to be light to the world. Our world needs hope now. It always has and always will, no matter who is President. And, as followers of Jesus you can be that hope and light that the world needs. Our Hope is NOT in Presidents or American Politics. It is in Jesus. Jesus saves. Jesus performed miracles. Jesus healed the sick and cared for the needy and outcast.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let your light shine before, during and after every election and see how God uses that to help people discover Him and be changed by Him.

Jesus is still King. American policies change all the time. Literally, all the time. I was born in raised outside of Washington, DC and still call this place home. I’ve seen it all in regards to politics. And you can bet that if a Democrat wins an election, he or she is going to do certain things. And, if a Republican wins an election, he or she is going to do certain things. This isn’t surprising. It is what they do. But no matter what happens and who is in power, Jesus is King. Jesus is King and he doesn’t change. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Jesus doesn’t change based on who become President. His love, compassion and grace is always for all people. That doesn’t change today and it won’t change tomorrow. Embrace that and give it to others.

Conclusion

No matter who gets elected or who is in power, we can still love others. We can still offer hope to a world in despair. And, we can still trust in the power of Jesus. He is King. And, at the end of the day, that is all that matters. How you choose to embrace who Jesus is and live for Him will determine how effective you can be at being light and hope to the world that will always need it, whoever is in power.

If you are concerned and stressed out about what will happen after the election, one great action step you can take during this time is to really learn and discover what it means to be a digital missionary. While the rest of the world may take to social media to share their pleasure or frustration with the election, you can use social media as a tool to share about the love of Jesus and the hope that is found in him. Learn more about what it means to be a digital missionary today, especially during uncertain times. You can also join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group where you can learn digital tools and tips to help you.

As much as it may seem like it, the world will not collapse because of which person gets elected into the Presidency of the United States. But, the world can receive hope, encouragement, and love by the way you choose to respond to this election.  Choose to let the hope, love and light of Jesus to the world today and see what God does in the lives of those around you.

What do you think? Are you planning on attending the Youth Ministry Exchange? Share your thoughts below or on social media using #ymsidekick as you share.